- Military Online Alumni
While deployed in Turkey, Air Force Sgt. David Wilson, '08, '11, often did his homework on a Mediterranean beach.
''I started my degree when I was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington,'' says David, who earned his associate degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics.
Going to college while on active military duty was hardly a vacation, however.
''The amount of energy it took was extraordinary at times,'' David says. ''I will never forget how many times I had to 'burn the midnight oil' to write papers and meet deadlines.''
He describes the challenge as ''a balancing act.''
''A lot of my friends would be going out to do things, and I was unable to go because of school,'' he says. ''It was drastically different in Iraq, though, where at times it was difficult for me to get Internet, or it was a slow connection.''
David says he did most of his homework following 12-14 hour shifts as a military police officer and dog handler, sometimes finding a bit of down time during the day for a quick discussion board post or some reading.
''I persevered by wanting to be one of the first people in my family to finish a degree,'' he says.
When he retires from the military, David plans to pursue a career in the financial world. He also wants to keep on learning.
''I might even end up coming back to SNHU for another degree.'' he says.
